A two-car accident resulted in the deaths of three people in Ohio on April 13. The fatal head-on collision took place while both of the vehicles were traveling along Ohio 16 in Licking County. Police said that alcohol or drugs were not likely factors in the accident. However, like most motor vehicle accidents, the investigation was not yet concluded when police made the report.
Police say that the accident happened just before 9 p.m. when a westbound Toyota Camry crossed over the center line of Ohio 16 near the intersection with Taylor Road. After entering the opposite lane of traffic, the Toyota collided head-on with a Dodge Grand Caravan. It is unclear what caused the Toyota driver to lose control of the vehicle.
The two occupants of the Toyota, ages 79 and 73, were transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital by ambulance. They were both declared dead at the hospital. An ambulance took the 77-year-old driver of the Dodge to another area health care facility, but he subsequently died from his injuries. Though the two occupants of the Toyota had the same last name, reports did not confirm what their relationship was.
After a fatal motor vehicle accident like this, an investigation into its possible causes may take weeks or months to complete. If it is ultimately determined that the negligence of one of the drivers was a factor, family members of a deceased victim who wish to recover compensation for their loss may want to consult with an attorney to determine whether a wrongful death lawsuit could be filed. Even if the driver at fault died in the accident, the driver’s estate could be named as a defendant.
Source: Newark Advocate, “Three killed in head-on crash are identified,” April 14, 2015